US-based teams announced for Red Bull Youth America's Cup

The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup begins on September 1, 2013, and this week ORACLE TEAM USA announced the two U.S.-based teams who have earned a spot in the final.

Both Team America Racing, who will represent the USA, and American Youth Sailing Force, who will represent San Francisco will spend the next nine months training for the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup under the tutelage of ORACLE TEAM USA.

Check out the video of the selection process below.

Six crews entered into the team selection trials, which included two-day training sessions at the ORACLE TEAM USA base in San Francisco. The trials involved physical training and instruction both on and off the water, and the teams sailed onboard an AC45 for the first time under the supervision of ORACLE TEAM USA sailors – the same class of wingsail catamarans raced in the America’s Cup World Series.

“It’s a massive stepping stone toward getting involved with the America’s Cup,” said ORACLE TEAM USA coach Darren Bundock. “We were looking for a variety of things – mainly potential – and finding those teams that gelled together and that we think can go forward and win the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.”

The teams were evaluated on several factors, such as boat handling, trimming skills and crew communication. All were mentored by ORACLE TEAM USA sailors and coaches, Philippe Presti along with Bundock, during the selection process, and they will continue to receive coaching and guidance through to the finals.

The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup finals run September 1-4, 2013, in San Francisco Bay. Additional teams will be selected through the Selection Series to take place in February.